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Ruth Butaumocho Gender Editor
Zimbabwe’s independence brought with it so many opportunities for millions of people who had lived under the colonial regime with no hope for economic emancipation.
While many were happy to queue, in search of employment, others realised that they needed to play a bigger role through employment creation.
One such individual is Dr Cleopas Kundiona who decided to venture into education and assist the Government in revamping the sector that was still heavily weighed down by colonial vestiges.
Thirty years after taking such a bold step, Dr Kundiona stands tall among the giants who have immensely contributed to the education sector by setting up learning centres across Zimbabwe.
Dr Kundiona is one of Zimbabwe’s respected educationists and founder of the country’s pioneering private college in the country, UMAA Institute.
In an interview on the trajectory, twists and turns the group of colleges has taken since its inception in the early 80s and the contribution it has made in the country’s education system, Dr Kundiona said he was happy with developments that have taken place in education from the time he started.
A respected educationist, he has managed to build a good reputation through contributing immensely to the knowledge industry in the country.
From the time he started UMAA Institute in 1988, Dr Kundiona has made great strides in the academic sector by establishing several educational centres in the country.
The story of Dr Kundiona is that of perseverance, which is beginning to bear fruition, judging from the success his institute has recorded over the years. These centres are not merely educational institutions, but they have become reputable centres of academic excellence that are churning out good passes in O, A-Level and professional courses.
“Education is capital investment, which should have its own dividend. It is for that reason that we have been working flat out to ensure our pupils get the best results that will give them a competitive edge anywhere,” said Dr Kundiona.
Dr Kundiona who is passionate about education said his decision to start an academic institution was not driven by financial gains, but by the desire to address serious discrepancies that happened during the colonial era.
“The best education and choices of academic subjects to pursue were reserved for the whites and a privileged few, while the majority of blacks were confined to limited choices,” he recalled.
He said the need to offer best alternatives in the education sector stuck with him, such that when Zimbabwe attained political independence in 1980, Dr Kundiona realised that he could now turn his dream into reality.
He, however, said the dawn of a new era saw most of the politically emancipated blacks rushing enmasse to join the formal sector in search of employment. For Dr Kundiona, independence gave him an impetus to fulfil his long cherished dream of becoming a strategic player in the country’s education system.
In 1988, Dr Kundiona launched UMAA Institute, joining institutions like Speciss College and ZDECCO owned by veteran educationist and late national hero Dr Sikhanyiso Duke Ndlovu, which were also trying to cater for a divergent and varying client.
With no bank loan, nor alternative funding to support the project, Dr Kundiona initially struggled to settle in such a highly competitive environment.
“Although it was difficult to kick start the project, quitting was not an option. I wanted to demonstrate that without oppression, we would be able to develop ourselves, and education was the easiest way to do it,” he said.
When UMAA was launched, it started with technical subjects and later incorporated courses on tourism and hospitality, a sector which was slowly on the rise owing to the stability which had been achieved through political independence.
The introduction of computer engineering and electrical section within UMAA raised the institution’s brand among locals, while attracting several students from neighbouring countries.
“The vision was becoming clearer than before. Even those who had been on the sidelines and were sceptical about the project realised that we were indeed forging ahead.”
However, lack of funding persisted despite the evident growth of the project.
“We needed the money to build our own infrastructure, invest in equipment and open new centres elsewhere. However, despite the numerous insurmountable challenges, we persisted,” said Dr Kundiona.
Barely a few years after its launch, UMAA established a few more branches in surrounding towns and cities.
From its initial class of less than 20 when it opened its doors to the public in 1988, UMAA now has an enrolment of over 1 000 pupils and a staff compliment of 150.
With a legacy spanning over two decades in education, Dr Kundiona says the institution is yet to reach its zenith.
Even the entrance of several private institutions in the education has not miffed UMAA, says Dr Kundiona.
“Being in the education sector for 30 years is a legacy that we are proud to talk about and uphold.
“We are not worried about new players in the sectors, because we have become a brand name in the education system and we are happy with the complementary role that we are giving to the country.
“We have remained steadfast in our quest to provide a quality service in the education system of Zimbabwe.
“As alluded to earlier, we did not venture into education because we were thirsty for money, but we were and are still passionate about education.”
He said his centres have complemented Government effort in trying to enforce the gender policy, which saw girls being enrolled for subjects previously a domain for the boys, specifically science and agricultural subjects.
“What a man can do, a woman can also do, that’s our policy and it’s beginning to bear positive fruits meaning our efforts were not in vain,” he said.
It is from that background that Dr Kundiona has been able to embrace the changes in the curriculum despite concerns from other educationists who said the decision was ill-timed.
“Education curriculum should constantly be changed, lest we might be left behind with the rest of the world.
“Those in the know will tell you that curriculum is a culture and it has to change to match the local, regional and international arenas.”
Online Reporter